PolitiFact R.I. rules claim on bridge tolls Mostly True

One of the most contentious issues of 2013, at least among residents of the eastern half of Rhode Island, is the question of whether there should be a toll on the new Sakonnet River Bridge.

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By
C. Eugene Emery Jr.
Posted Sep. 1, 2013 @ 12:01 am

[Mostly True]PROVIDENCE, R.I. --††One of the most contentious issues of 2013, at least among residents of the eastern half of Rhode Island, is the question of whether there should be a toll on the new Sakonnet River Bridge.

In an Aug. 14, 2013, commentary in The Journal, Steven Frias, a lawyer and the state's Republican National Committeeman, argued that Rhode Island should use the revenue from its gasoline tax and motor vehicle fees exclusively to maintain its bridges and roads.

His commentary included this statement: "When the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority was first created in 1954, it was supposed to exist only until the bonds used to build the Newport Bridge were paid off through tolls.

"Once the bonds were paid, the Newport Bridge was to be transferred to the State of Rhode Island and become toll-free."